Immunodeficiency means that your body can’t effectively fight infections and diseases. So, you can more easily catch viruses and bacterial infections. Immunodeficiency disorders can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developed over time).
Some types of congenital immunodeficiency disorders include:
- X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA): rare genetic disorder that affects your body’s ability to fight infection
- Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID): disorder that impairs the immune system, resulting in recurrent infections in the lungs, sinuses, and ears
- Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID): immune disorder that causes severe respiratory infections, among other symptoms
Acquired immunodeficiency conditions include:
- AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)
- Cancers of the immune system, such as leukemia
- Immune-complex diseases, like viral hepatitis
- Multiple myeloma (cancer of the plasma cells)
While each immunodeficiency condition can have varying symptoms, some of the more common symptoms include:
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Sinus infections
- Colds
- Diarrhea
- Pneumonia
- Yeast infections
Treatments
Antibiotic Medications
If your immunodeficiency is caused by an underlying infection, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to treat that infection.
Other Medications
Your doctor may prescribe other medications to help treat your immunodeficiency condition, including immunoglobulin therapy or antiviral drugs.
Bone Marrow Transplant
If your bone marrow is not producing enough lymphocytes, your doctor may order a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant.
Tests
Comprehensive Exam
Your doctor will perform a comprehensive physical exam – including a health history – to help diagnose your immunodeficiency.
Blood Test
Your allergist will likely recommend a blood test that will check your white blood cell count, T cell count, and immunoglobulin levels.
Antibody Test
Your doctor will give you a vaccine. Then, a few days or weeks later, your blood’s response to the vaccine will be tested. This checks how your immune system has responded to the vaccine.
Why Choose UHealth?
Expert care with a personal touch. Our doctors are dedicated to spending as much time with you as you need and not rushing you through your visit. We answer all the questions you may have and provide you with the techniques and knowledge to help you get the most out of your medications. We’ll explain your laboratory results and how the medicine will impact the causes and symptoms of your condition and improve your quality of life.